Feakklin e



(No Model.)

F. B. SMITH.

PLAITING MACHINE. No. 243,989. Patented July 5,1881.

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- 6. 52 792% Q/MK UNITED STATES PATENT Orrroa.

FRANKLIN B. SMITH, OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO WILLIAM DUFFUS, OF SAME PLACE.

PLAlTlNG-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 243,989, dated July 5, 1881.

Application filed August 28, 1880. (N 0 model.)

To all whom tt may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANKLIN E. SMITH, of Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga, in the State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Plaiting-Machines, of which the following, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to that class of plaiting-machines in which the plaitinggrate is moved automatically with the operation of the plaiting-knife; and it consists in certain peculiarities in the organization of the machine whereby a simple, durable, convenient, and very efficient plaiting-machil'le is obtained, all as hereinafter fully described, and specifically set forth in the claims.

The invention is fully illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved plaiting-machine; Fig. 2, a longitudinal section of same; Fig. 3, a plan view; Fig. 4, an end view; Fig. 5, a transverse section of one side of the machine, showing the relation of the grate and steam-vat with the frame; and Fig. 6, a detail view of the means for moving the grate.

Similar letters of reference indicate correspondin g parts.

A is a rectangular metal frame, supported horizontally on legs L.

S denotes a steam-chamber, which is more fully described in another application for Letters Patent which I am about to make for said apparatus. The top plate, S, of the aforesaid steam-chamber constitutes the bed of the machine, and will be so designated hereinafter, said plate projecting at the ends and resting on the end cross-bars of the frame A. Between the side edges of the same plate and the adjacent sides of the frame A is a groove, f, extending the length of the machine and forming the guide for the plaiting-grate G, which moves on the top plate, S, of the bed S, and has on its sides downward flanges e, entering the grooves 5 faforesaid, as best seen in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings.

The forward end of the frame A is provided at its sides with uprights u, to which are pivoted, respectively, levers Z l, which extend rearward and are united at the rear end by a crossbar, I).

To the crossbar b is attached the downwardprojecting plaitiug-knife c.

By means of a handle, H, attached to the cross-bar b the levers l l are oscillated and caused to alternately elevate and depress the plaiting-knife. Said knife, in its descent, forces the cloth through the interstices of the grate, and thus forms the plait. The grate is moved with the descent of the knife, and before the entrance of same through the grate, by pawls (l pivoted to the levers l, and having their opposite ends adapted to engage holes h in the grate G. The elevation of the levers l draws the pawls backward, and the descent of said levers forces the pawls forward and causes the same to push the grate toward the knife. A roller, 1", pivoted to the sides of the frame of the machine and extended across the top of the machine, bears upon the grate, near the knife 0, and prevents the pawl from retracting said grate.

The standard or upright u is provided with a segment, m, having a series of holes for the reception of a stop-pin, t, by means of which the levers I can be arrested at anydesired point in their upward movement, and thus the movement of the pawls regulated to move the grate G any desired distance, according to the width of the plait required.

The depth of the plaitiug is regulated by means of an arm, a, hinged to the standard a beneath the lever l, and having at its rear end a pin, 0, adapted to enter one of a series of holes in a vertical extension, E, of the sides of the frame A. By setting the arm n at a greater a'plaiting-knife carried and operated by oscillating levers, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination, with a plaiting-grate mounted movably on guideways, of oscillating levers or arms carrying the plaiting-knife, and apawl or pawls connected with said-levers and having their'free end adapted to engage and move the grate automatically with the movement of the levers, substantially as set forth.

3. The combination of the frame A, the grate G, provided with holes h h, the levers l, pivoted at one end to the frame A and united at the opposite end by the cross-bar I), provided with the handle H, the knifec, attached to cross-bar b, and the pawls d, pivoted to levers Z, all substantially as described and shown.

4. In combination with the lever l, the hinged arm n, provided with the pin 0, and the vertical extension E, provided with a series of holes,

substantially in the manner described and 20 shown.

5. In combination with the pivoted levers Z, provided with the knife 0, the standard u, havin g the segment m, provided with a series of holes, and a stoppin, i, substantially as shown 2 5 and set forth.

6. In combination with a plating-grate, the arms P, provided with the roller R, as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed 0 my name and affixed my seal, in the presence of two attesting witnesses, at Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga and State of New York, this 16th day of August, 1880.

FRANKLINR. SMITH. [L. s]

Witnesses:

E. LAASS, WM. 0. RAYMOND. 

